Chapter 2
John rubbed his eyes trying to bring the document he was reading back into focus. There were still several mission reports to approve before the morning was over but the words had started blurring together and he craned his neck glancing at the inactive gate outside his office window. He'd take anything, even babysitting scientists, to alleviate his boredom but it was going to be days if not weeks before his schedule was clear enough to venture off-world.
A knock diverted his attention and he smiled warmly, his stomach doing a little flip as Elizabeth stuck her head through the door. He'd been back just over a week but seeing her was still a novelty, one he didn't think he'd ever grow tired of. "Please tell me you want your old job back?"
She raised an eyebrow at the deadpan tone and responded with a small smirk, "busy I take it?"
"To put it mildly." He lent back in the chair folding his arms behind his head as she crossed the short distance. He was slowly losing his mind and idly wondered if it would be exhaustion or boredom that sent him over the edge first.
"Unfortunately I don't think the IOA have me in the running..." she rounded the desk pressing her thigh against the corner as a smile tugged her lips. Initially she'd found it disorientating being on the other side of his authority but she was getting used to the idea. He was calmer than she remembered, more confident in command but his penchant for avoiding paperwork and dislike for bureaucracy were comfortingly familiar. "Still no word on a replacement I take it?"
He shook his head breathing out a sharp sigh. The IOA were dragging their heels, hesitant to make a decision about the post but he'd decided their indecision had come at a good time. It meant he was still in a position to fight for her reinstatement and that was enough incentive to keep him pushing papers around. "How about you, everything okay?"
His tone held a slightly rougher edge and she nodded appreciating the genuine concern. Since he'd gotten back he hadn't strayed far from her side, at worst keeping in touch via radio but even then he seemed to show up again for meals or a late night debrief. The support had been unwavering despite his busy schedule and interference from the IOA, who were still demanding regular and consistent updates on her progress. "Carson is uploading a data-burst for the next transmission."
"Your test results?" He asked bringing his hand down to check his emails. It wasn't really a question that needed asking. He already knew the information hadn't differed from previous weeks but he still had to sign off on the release, a formality that was becoming increasingly frustrating.
"Still human..." she threw him a tight smile, "though at this point I'm starting to feel more like a human pin cushion." It wasn't Carson's fault. The Scottish doctor was trying his best to find the least invasive procedures possible but even he was starting to get fed up with their demands. In fact less than an hour ago he'd threatened to gate to earth so he could personally shove his medical degree up their-
"I'll push my recommendation again, this is getting ridiculous."
The comment broke her train of thought and she felt warmth spread across her cheeks as his fingers tapped down on the keyboard. "Thank you... I know they're not exactly the easiest to deal with."
He didn't know if his influence would hold much weight, it hadn't so far but the personal emails he'd received from O'Neill suggested things were moving in the right direction. The good news, the draft proposal he'd submitted to try and keep her in Atlantis was now under review and according to the General they just had to be patient. The bad news, he didn't know if she'd actually consider taking a permanent position or if it was a moot point. He hadn't said anything in case the whole thing fell through but he needed to get an idea of where she stood and swallowed roughly, forcing himself to broach the subject. "Have you thought about what you might like to do once they clear you?"
The question felt heavy on her shoulders and she ducked her head breathing in a quick sigh. A few possibilities had been discussed in her therapy sessions with Doctor Robinson but ultimately she was limited by the IOA's decision. There was a strong chance she wouldn't get a say and until she knew for sure there was little point even speculating. "Honestly, I don't know..." she glanced up staring idly at the gate, "I can't imagine going back but I can't even remember what I'd be going back to, so..."
The sentence was left hanging and he nodded slowly, unable to draw much from the answer. She didn't seem like she was in any rush to leave but hadn't mentioned staying which stabbed painfully through his chest as he pushed a neutral response, "well if it makes any difference we like having you around."
"We?" She glanced back catching his gaze with a teasing smirk, "that your way of saying you'd miss me Colonel?"
He knew it was a joke but the humor hit a raw never and the slight curve of his mouth felt forced. She wasn't just a responsibility, they were friends and her loss of memory had resulted in an openness that hadn't been present when she'd been in command. In a way it was strengthening the bond between them and he wasn't ready to let that go, finding himself reluctantly admitting to partial defeat. "Okay fine... I like having you around and not just because you can actually understand budget reports."
She raised an eyebrow sensing there was more to be read between the lines of his tone but she didn't voice her curiosity. There was still a lot they hadn't said, words that remained unspoken but there was no pressure to air them. They were both still finding their feet, testing the waters and she offered a gentle smile comfortable with the silence until her watch suddenly beeped. "Sorry," she quickly muted the device, "appointment with Doctor Robinson. Looks like you're on your own with those budget reports."
"Any excuse huh?" He sat back, eyes washing over her as she straightened her outfit. "Lunch later?"
She nodded trying to ignore the slight sense of dread that always proceeded her sessions. Fortunately John had a habit of making himself available right after and the notion calmed her, knowing that this time would be no exception. He'd shown he wasn't going anywhere and until the IOA stated otherwise, neither was she.
-X-
